A TRIBUTE TO A TRUE FRIEND

The late Justin Hingtgen, in this photo taken the early part of June, stands on his favorite steam engine, a 40 Hp., 24 ton, 1912 Avery. Mr. Hingtgen, who died Sunday, September 21, 1969, had bought 117 acres of land especially for his engines and used ev

Douglas Melvold

Content Tools

The photo was taken by Douglas Melvold and used in a feature
story preliminary to Mr. Hingtgen's 1969 show.

In Memory of Justin J. Hingtgen:-People from every state in our
great Country were numbed with shock and grief on Monday, September
22, when they learned that their true friend, Justin J. Hingtgen,
Age 51, of La Motte, Iowa, passed away at 7:50 p.m., Sunday,
September 21, 1969 at Mercy Medical Center Hospital, Dubuque, Iowa.
It was almost impossible to believe that the shocking news could be
true. Justin was a fine man. He was seen with his dynamic
personality at nearly every steam show in the area. He attended
many steam shows in other states. During Labor Day week end he was
attending the steam show at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa when he became ill
and had to return home. He immediately entered the Mercy Medical
Center Hospital for observation and tests, and submitted to surgery
on Monday, September 15. He did not rally satisfactorily from the
gall-bladder operation and passed away six days later.

Justin's untimely and unexpected death brings to a close an
unequaled chapter in Steam Engine History. It is the end of the
era. No one can equal the vast knowledge and experience he has
gained over the past twenty years. No one will ever know how many
people he has helped to locate engines or parts, or just merely
answered people's questions. His unfailing memory contained a
vast library of names, places, dates, and all that goes with steam
engine and threshing machine history. He has no doubt traveled more
miles throughout the states and Canada in search of steam engines,
and the hauling of steam engines than any other known person.

Justin helped organize many steam engine shows throughout the
country. He held membership in various clubs and organized and
operated his own steam power show on his 117 acre farm near his
home town of La Motte, Ia. His show was known as the Mississippi
Valley Steam Power Show. This show featured the largest collection
of working steam engines in the country, and was known to many as
one of the better shows. His collection of steam engines ranged
from a small 6 hp. to a large 40 hp. His count of engines was many
and he had engineers from all over the midwest during show
time.

In addition to his steam show activities, Justin owned and
operated a large saw-mill in La Motte. The Hingtgen Lumber Service
was well known at John Deere and Case Co. Justin was a good
business man. He had an uncanny way of getting things done. His
judgement was respected by all. He always was deeply concerned
about his family, and was a good husband, father, and a friend. His
robust laughter will be greatly missed by his family and a
multitude of friends. Many people have said, they are fortunate to
have been priviledged to have known Justin J. Hingtgen as their
true friend.

It is not easy to say good-bye. The memory and spirit of Justin
J. Hingtgen will linger in our hearts forever. He is not forgotten,
he is just away. His inspiring solemn funeral services will long be
remembered. His final resting place at the top of a beautiful hill
will be well taken care of by his loved ones and friends. God grant
that our true friend may rest in Peace.